Chapter 18 #2
I blink at the gorgeous alpha, trying to absorb his words. Trying to discover the lie in them. But my omega knows what he’s saying is the truth, even if my skeptical ass thinks it’s crazy.
His hands ball at his sides, like he’s fighting to keep from reaching out and touching me.
A small smile spreads my lips. “That definitely explains some things.”
Ambrose releases a relieved chuckle, the tension in his posture easing. “I thought it might.”
He takes a step closer and pauses, still not touching me. “I don’t want to overwhelm you, and if you want me to drop it and pretend we’re only doctor and patient, I’ll do that. You… you don’t ever need to see me again if you’re not interested in exploring our scent match.”
His eyes shut and his throat works as he fights to not show his emotions, even though it’s clear the thought of never seeing me again is killing him.
“I just need you to know where I’m coming from. That I’m not saying I want to make you mine because we had mind-blowing sex, or that I know even a fraction of what there is to know about you. It’s because there’s this innate connection between us, and if you’re willing, I want to explore it.”
My heart aches at how earnest he sounds.
How the hell could I say no to that? Even my jaded, avoidant ass knows that I’d be an idiot to not give Ambrose a chance.
I reach out and take his hand in mine. “I want to explore it, too.”
Starting a romantic relationship while I’m trying to come to terms with being an omega and hiding my designation at work is a recipe for disaster, but I can’t bring myself to care. I’m starving for more affection and connection now that I know what I’ve been missing.
Ambrose lights up, squeezing my hand back. “Oh, thank god,” he says with a relieved exhale.
I giggle and lean forward. Our mouths meet in a kiss full of promise and potential. He pulls away far too soon for my liking, and I let out a frustrated groan as his lips leave mine.
He smiles sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sorry, sweetheart, but if I keep kissing you, I’m going to end up fucking you right here. You deserve better than that.”
“I do?” I don’t mean to ask that aloud, and flush as soon as the words come out.
Ambrose laughs and nods. “Yes, you do. I want to court you. Well, actually…”
His hesitation sends a spike of unreasonable fear through me, worrying that he’s changed his mind.
Fear shifts to shock when he finishes his thought. “My pack wants to court you.”
“Your pack?” I don’t know why I’m surprised. Of course Ambrose has a pack already. He’s handsome and smart and wonderful. Anyone would be lucky to have him in their life.
“Yes. We’d given up on looking for an omega, but then you showed up here at the clinic and rocked our world.”
My excitement sours. Rocking the world of an established pack doesn’t sound like a good thing.
Astrid made me watch those reality shows where packs get torn apart in the search for their omega.
Most of them are probably staged, but it’s enough to make me wary.
“I don’t want to mess up anyone’s relationships or make things complicated with your pack. ”
“New relationships always come with an inherent risk, whether or not there’s a pack involved,” Ambrose says, squeezing my hand. “It’s a risk we’re willing to take for you.”
My brow furrows. “Hold on. You’ve already discussed it?”
“Well, yeah.” Ambrose chuckles. “It was hard not to when two of the three of us are more than a bit infatuated with you.”
He waits for understanding to hit me and laughs again when my mouth falls open in shock.
There’s only one person I can think of who would’ve developed an interest in me. “Jackson is part of your pack?”
Ambrose nods. “Yes. I really hope that’s not a deal-breaker. He can be annoying, but he’s got an amazing heart.”
I giggle at his assessment of Jackson. I could see why they might get on each other’s nerves, but they worked together so well during my heat that their compatibility is clear. “No! Not at all.” I give him an assessing look. “Are you two together?”
“Me and Jackson?” he sputters. “God, no. We’re packmates, but he’s straight.”
“You’re not straight?” I cock a brow, even more curious now.
“Definitely not,” he replies with a chuckle, but then his smile falters. “Does that bother you?”
I shake my head. “Definitely not. Love is love, and I’d be a hypocrite if it did because I’m bi.”
Ambrose’s warm smile returns, but there’s a hint of hesitance before he speaks. “Good. Jackson and I aren’t together, but our other packmate is my partner. Does that bother you?”
I take a moment to consider. I’d be lying if I’m not concerned about how well I’ll be received by this packmate I haven’t met, but I don’t have any problem with polyamory.
“Not really. Just nervous that they won’t like me.
It would’ve shocked me if you didn’t have any romantic relationships, because, well… look at you.”
He laughs, cheeks flushing at my assessment. “He’ll adore you. Because, well… look at you.”
My omega preens at the compliment, thrilled with the thought of being adored by a whole pack. I press a hand to my burning cheek. “Am I dreaming? Did I hit my head? Because all of this sounds fake. Definitely not something someone like me would ever experience.”
“If you want, I can examine you for head trauma, but it won’t change the fact that it’s real.” Ambrose cups my cheek over my hand, thumb brushing against my lips. I sigh at the touch, my omega delighting in the physical contact.
“Jackson won’t shut up about you,” Ambrose continues. “He wanted me to steal your phone number from the clinic files so we could contact you. And honestly, I would’ve thought about it if you hadn’t made this appointment.”
“I’m really glad I did,” I whisper, and then we’re kissing again, Ambrose’s hand moving to tangle in my hair and angle my head to better devour my lips. He presses close and I want to tug him down on top of me when I feel him, hard and hot against my thigh.
“Fuck,” he curses when our lips part. “Come see us tonight. You can meet the rest of our pack, and we can get to know each other more.”
“Okay.” My omega answers for me before I have a chance to second-guess things.
There’s a knock on the door, and we shoot apart like opposing magnets as it opens. The nurse from earlier steps in to hand Ambrose a printout, and if she notices how flushed and breathless we are, she doesn't say anything.
When she leaves, we both break out into laughter. “I guess we should actually get on with your appointment,” Ambrose says, trying to wipe away his bright smile and look serious.
I flush at the thought of him examining me. “Oh, we don’t have to do that.”
He shakes his head at me, giving me a stern look that has slick pooling between my thighs. “Don’t be silly, sweetheart. I need to make sure you’re healthy and I’ve taken care of all your needs.”
“All of them?” I ask, biting my lower lip.
Ambrose chuckles. “Mmm, I wish. Sadly, I need to stay professional. But if you’re a good girl for me now, I’ll reward you when I see you tonight.”